Reactions have been trailing the passing away of Nigerian musician Ukeleke Onwubuya better known as Ras Kimono.
Ras kimono who passed on in a hospital in Lagos dominated the Nigerian music industry in the late 80’s after his debut album titled “Under pressure” brought him to limelight.
While there has been no official statement from his family, prominent Nigerians including Sen Dino Melaye and Sen Ben Murray Bruce, have taken to social media to express their grief.
@dino_melaye: Death why! Why! My brother and my friend. Legend Ras Kimono rest in Peace. What a black day! What an unceremonious exit. I love you and will miss you. Sad sad sad.
Dino, who shared a close relationship with the reggae star, posted a video of himself and Ras Kimono among other tweets that showed the close relationship they both shared.
@dino_melaye: Ras Kimono and myself in my village(Aiyetoro Gbede) on 31st December 2017. Legend is gone. What a dark day. RIP my brother and reliable friend.
@benmurraybruce: I feel so sad hearing about the death of reggae legend, Ras Kimono. He redefined the face of music and there will be none like him. He will be dearly missed.
Among the hits from his debut album included “Rasta get jail” and “Rum-Bar Stylee”.
The legendary reggae artist travelled to the U.S. at some point in his career where he spent six years.
He will be remembered for lighting up the Nigerian music industry alongside Majek Fashek and Oritiz Wikili in the 80’s
REGGAE ARTISTE, AUSTIN PETER, MOURNS RAS KIMONO
Peter, a popular reggae artiste known as ‘King Wadada’, on Sunday expressed deep sadness over the death of Ekulele Elumelu, popularly known as Ras Kimono.
Peter told the News Agency of Nigeriac(NAN) in Lagos that the entire music industry would miss Ras Kimono.
NAN reports that Ras Kimono, 60, died on Sunday at the Lagoon Hospital in Lagos.
Peter said that Kimono was one of the greatest rub-a-dub artistes to have reigned in the whole of Africa.
“Ras Kimono is gone, I am going to miss him a great deal because he really impacted positively on some of my music.
“It is going to be a sad moment in the music industry because he had a lot of friends and fans all around the country,” he said.
The musician said that he was short of words and could not say much because he was still in shock of the reality of Kimono’s death.
NAN reports that Ras Kimono hailed from Asaba in Delta.
The deceased started out his career, firstly as a student of Gbenoba Secondary School Agbor and later as a member of the legendary Jastix Reggae Ital, alongside Majek Fashek, Amos McRoy Jegg and Black Rice Osagie.
His music was greatly influenced by the poverty, inequality and hardship he witnessed in his early life.
He released his solo debut album “Under pressure” on the Premier Music label in 1988, which propelled him to instant continental stardom.
The album had hits like “Under pressure”, “Rasta get jail” and the massive hit “Rhumba style”.
He was to release a string of hit albums, touring all over Africa, Europe and the USA, promoting his brand of Reggae music.
He won several awards including the Nigeria Music Awards, Fame Music Awards.
He continued to perform till date to a loyal fan-base of all ages and his music is still played on Radio, throughout West Africa.
RAS KIMONO USED HIS MUSIC TO PREACH FOR BETTER NIGERIA
More Nigerians on Sunday mourned the passing of legendary Reggae artiste, Ukeleke Elumelu popularly known as “Ras Kimono”.
They described him as a social crusader and a revolutionary who through his music canvassed a better Nigeria.
Temitayo Otun, popularly known as “Dilo” said that Kimono was in the forefront of a crusade who used his music to preach the need for a better Nigeria.
“He wanted his country to be great and he criticised every regime that was not getting things right with his music.
“I will miss him greatly because he made us musicians to be fearless and put out good songs.
“He was a legend and he strove for a better country.
“May he rest in peace,” he said.
Another artiste, Emmanuel Afemikhe, popularly known as “Emizon’’ said Ras Kimono was one of those that inspired him into music and he still listens to him.
“It is sad that he had left the stage, and the world for us to continue where he stopped.
“May he rest in peace,’’ he said.
Also, Sunday Amaize, musician, popularly known as “Pupa Sunday”, said that Kimono would be remembered for his songs which had great impact on people and the nation.
He added that the Nigerian music industry would miss the great legend.
“R.I.P. Reggae Icon; you are away but your great songs lives,” he said.
An artisan, Mr Madu Okeke, said that he was enjoying his lunch when he heard the news and rushed to inform his neighbours.
“I am still in shock. I had been playing his music ever since. He was a good man and championed a cause for the downtrodden.
“I will miss him and his good music. May he rest well,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Samuel Adejo, an artisan, noted that Kimono was not dead.
” His music is evergreen, he wants his fellow musicians to continue where he stopped.
“He tried, the struggled continues. May he rest in peace,” he said.
NAN reports that the deceased was scheduled to travel to the United States on Saturday night, but complained that he was not feeling too well.
He was rushed to a hospital in Ikeja,from where he was referred to another hospital on Lagos Island where he died.
Kimono, 60, was known for his hit songs “Under pressure’’ and “We no want’’.
